Milestones. What would you say your last one was? Was it personal? Work? Family?

Sometimes you see them coming, you work towards them. And others sneak up on you seemingly out of nowhere with a funny way of making you pause and reflect. Either way, they are a line in the sand with a before and after.

But whether you count down to a special day or you suddenly realize you’ve crossed a line into a new phase of life, these are the moments we look back on and say ‘that was when…’

If I was to speak about a personal milestone, I think people would expect me to say turning 30. But really it was the few years leading up to it. The day and the number just marked the beginning of a new decade; the milestone was the growth that led up to it.

It was a great day, the belated celebration the following month as well. But there was more to this birthday than the typical ‘here we go, another decade…’ kind of thing. The funny thing about milestones is that they’re not always pretty, not always marked with a party and a celebration, sometimes they’re marked with tears and growth- growing pains. And sometimes you don’t even realize you’ve come through one until you stop and look back at where you’ve come from. I think that sums up the lead up to 30 for me.

Turning 30 didn’t come as a surprise by any means, but some of the things that I was processing in my late 20s were definitely unexpected. The number 30 in a lot of ways has no bearing on any of that, but then I think about where I was this time 10 years ago when I turned 20… It’s when I look back on that person that I see how far I’ve come and how 30 is a milestone for me, even if I told myself it was NBD. But it isn’t really because of the number or the age, it’s the transformation that came that for me is the true milestone.

Sure, I celebrated my 30th with some of my nearest and dearest, but I also woke up on the morning of my birthday and the day after, and the day after not really feeling any different. 30 whoop whoop… But something I really noticed about this birthday in particular was a looking back and a looking forward. I took stock of the past, all of the versions of ‘me’ I have been for the past decade- I entered and left this one as an adult- then looked forward to the decade ahead, of the person I hope to continue to become.

I’m not the same person I was then, or the different versions that came between then and now. I’m all of them, a sum of all the parts. I’m here because of where I came from, just as I’ll be somewhere in the future, reach another goal, because of where I am now. I’m not sure what the next milestone will be but I’m excited for what lies ahead. Milestones, in whatever form they take, always seem to leave us changed, if even only a little. We grow, we celebrate, we move forward. Whatever your next one may be, I hope you celebrate everything that led up to it, even if there was more blood, sweat, and tears than confetti and party hats. Even the hard times deserve celebration in their own way. Here’s to the next milestone and the one after that. And the one after that. May they be a part of an amazing- if not crazy- journey. <3

Treat yourself or some of your favourite gals (or drop some hints to your sweetheart!) with this Galentine’s Day round up! Whether red or pink is your favourite colour for the occasion, there are plenty of cute options inspired by Feb 14. It doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day to add some pops of pink and red- and hearts errrrything- but since it’s right around the corner I hope you like some of the ideas here. Celebrate Galentine’s Day with your favourite ladies and treat yourself and each other!

If you’ve left your shopping to the last minute and won’t have time to hit up the mall or your favourite stores, options like express shipping and Amazon Prime (my lifesaver so many times throughout the year!) are great options to make sure your gifts arrive on time (if you’re shopping local, see if your favourite small shop offers local pick up). And if you’re really low on time, you can always make your own gift (see here and here for some cute Valentine’s printables). Or how about a date night/ girl’s night in? Pick up some snacks (check out this white chocolate Valentine’s popcorn for a cute idea) and enjoy a relaxing night of games or movies.

You know that dress you love so much? You know the one. Maybe it’s one you’ve had for a few years and can’t get enough of or maybe it’s a recent addition to your closet, one you had your eye on and couldn’t stop thinking about. Either way, the more mileage you can get out of the items in your closet, the better and I’m sharing 3 simple ways to style your favourite party dress to transform its look.

Whether your favourite is a little wild or a LBD, below are some ideas to help get the most wear out of your clothes and extend the life of items you already have. If you splurged on a dress for the holidays, now is a great time to think of ways to wear it throughout the year (hint: what are you wearing for Valentine’s Day?) I started with a pretty black number and added on to it with neutrals and colour to try and show the range of options with these ideas. Sometimes shopping your closet can lead to finding some new favourites, but if a little shopping is required, that’s ok too. 😉 Even if your style changes over time, you can update pieces you might otherwise not wear anymore by re-thinking them.

The dress I’m wearing in these photos is a simple black halter from Tobi with a scalloped detail and one I thought was a great jumping- off point. What I like about this dress: It’s black (goes with everything). It’s comfortable (’nuff said!). And it’s basic without being boring (that scalloped halter top). I also love how it fits: fitted without being too tight/ unforgiving. So, now that I’ve explained everything, let’s get to it!

Here are 3 ideas to re-style your favourite party dress!

1. Classic Accessories

You can’t go wrong with tights and a good pair of shoes, a pretty purse or clutch, etc. They can completely change the look of an outfit: from fun and casual to dressed up for a night out. The simplest way to give a fresh take to a dress (or any outfit) is to switch up the accessories. If you’re on a budget or like to get as much mileage out of your closet as possible, pick accessories that are interchangeable and will go with other pieces (neutrals are always a good choice for this).

For this outfit I paired black tights with nude pumps for contrast. I love how all- black looks (plus it’s a simple/ classic style trick when you’re stuck for ideas) and it leaves your outfit wide open to add accessories like jewelry and bags in a myriad of patterns and colours. Maybe a cute outfit for Valentine’s Day? 😉

2. Add a skirt

Not all dresses will work with this idea, but with the right skirt (think: something with a bit of body/ not too fitted, like a tutu or something flowy) you can completely change the look of your dress. As a jumping off point for this idea: if your dress has a simple design pair it with a skirt in a bold colour or print and/ or unique shape; if it has an elaborate top half, try something a little understated. This is a quick way to transform your favourite party dress and open up a variety of possible outfit options.

For this outfit I opted for one of my favourite skirts in a bright purple. To me it instantly makes an outfit more fun because of it’s bold colour and playful style. I love the colour and because of its style, it’s perfect to layer on top of this dress. A skirt that comes in at the waist like this one helps create a flattering silhouette and can be paired with dresses even if they aren’t totally fitted/ form fitting. In the spirit of a capsule wardrobe, I paired with the same black tights and nude pumps and added a colourful clutch I picked up at one of my favourite thrift stores.

3. Add something on top

The same ideas as above apply but in reverse: for a dress with a simple bottom, add a top layer that stands out; if it’s a more elaborate design, an understated top may be the better choice. Depending on how fitted your dress is, add a top underneath or on top like I did. For example, add extra drama to a strapless dress with a long- sleeved fitted top layered underneath. Or pair something sheer or see-through on top for a pretty peek-a-boo look. Play with combinations until you find one you’re happy with and that suits your body type and style of dress (ie I have broad shoulders, so I like that this halter dress and top don’t add bulk where I don’t need it).

While I love the scalloped detail at the top of this dress, it’s still a simple enough design that I can layer something with an intricate design on top. This white lace crop top stands out against the black of this dress and I love the contrast between the two. Since I wanted the top to be the star, I paired this outfit with understated neutral accessories: a large nude clutch and black leather heels.

Now I want to know: What do you think of these ideas? Would you try them with items in your closet??

Who’s planning on doing some Cyber Monday Shopping today? I’m rounding up a few of the sales you can find online + some of home items that caught my eye. It’s a great time to pick up gifts on your list and maybe even something for yourself! 😉 What’s on your Cyber Monday shopping list??

This post is all about the amazing men we have in our lives: the husbands, dads, brothers, uncles, friends; whoever they are, this post is for them. It’s been a little while since there has been something for the guys here on OHP so I thought it would be a good time to have a giveaway. I’m excited to be working with JORD watches again this Fall and will be spoiling a lucky reader with a $100 gift credit towards one of their amazing wood watches! View Post